Absorbent article including barrier leg cuff structure and absorbent core with superabsorbent material

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article having opposite longitudinally extending sides and opposite laterally extending ends extending between the longitudinally extending sides is provided. The absorbent article includes a chassis including a topsheet and a backsheet joined to the topsheet. The chassis has a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region located between the front waist region and the back waist region, a longitudinal axis extending through the front and back waist regions and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A barrier cuff strip extends in a longitudinal direction from the front waist region to the back waist region along the topsheet. The barrier cuff strip includes a front end at the front waist region, a back end at the back waist region and proximal and distal edges connecting the front end and the back end. The barrier cuff strip distal edge is attached to the topsheet at a cuff end bond region that has an outer bond edge at one of the front and back waist regions and an inner bond edge spaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge. An absorbent core is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes an absorbent layer including an absorbent material comprising a superabsorbent polymer material wherein at least about 60 percent by weight of the absorbent material is the superabsorbent polymer material. A longitudinal distance from the inner bond edge to the laterally extending side at the one of the front and back waist regions is about ½ or more of a longitudinal length of the one of the front and back waist regions.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present application relates to absorbent articles and moreparticularly to an absorbent article that includes a barrier leg cuffstructure and an absorbent core that includes superabsorbent material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infants and other incontinent individuals wear absorbent articles suchas diapers to receive and contain urine and other body exudates.Absorbent articles function both to contain the discharged materials andto isolate these materials from the body of the wearer and from thewearer's garments. Disposable absorbent articles having many differentbasic designs are known to the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. Re.26,152, entitled “Disposable Diaper” issued to Duncan and Baker on Jan.31, 1967, describes a disposable diaper which has achieved wideacceptance and commercial success. U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003, entitled“Contractable Side Portions For Disposable Diaper”, issued to Buell onJan. 14, 1975, describes an elasticized leg cuff disposable diaper whichhas achieved wide acceptance and commercial success.

However, absorbent articles have a tendency to sag or gap away from andto slide or slip down on the body of the wearer during wear. Thissagging or gapping and sliding or slipping is caused by the relativemotions of the wearer as the wearer breathes, moves, bends and changespositions, by the downward forces generated especially when theabsorbent article is loaded with body exudates, and by the deformationof the materials of the absorbent article itself when subjected to suchwearer's motions. This sagging or gapping and sliding or slipping of theabsorbent article can lead to premature leakage and poor fit of theabsorbent article about the wearer in the waist regions and the legregions of the absorbent article.

In order to more snugly fit absorbent articles about the waist of thewearer, certain commercially available absorbent articles have beenprovided with elastic waist features. An example of a disposable diaperwith an elastic waist feature which has achieved wide acceptance andcommercial success is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,595 issued toKievit and Osterhage on May 7, 1985. Elastic waist features willtypically include an elasticized waistband consisting of an elasticmember contractibly affixed between the topsheet and the backsheet. Theelasticized waistband is designed to expand and contract with thewearer's motions and to maintain the fit of the absorbent article aboutthe waist of the wearer during use (i.e., provide sustained dynamicfit).

However, it has been found that absorbent articles having elastic waistfeatures also have a tendency to sag or gap and slide or slip duringuse. Further, the elastic waist feature has a tendency to rollover orroll-in at the front of the diaper resulting in a lack of fit about thewaist of the wearer.

Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an absorbent article having awaist feature that provides better fit, reduced leakage, and wearercomfort. It would further be advantageous to provide an absorbentarticle which has reduced sagging, gapping, rollover, or roll-in at thewaist of the diaper as well as reduced overall sliding or slipping ofthe absorbent article or the absorbent core on the wearer during use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect, the invention features an absorbent article that includesa chassis including a topsheet and a backsheet joined to the topsheet.The chassis has a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotchregion located between the front waist region and the back waist region,a longitudinal axis extending through the front and back waist regionsand a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.A barrier cuff strip extends in a longitudinal direction from the frontwaist region to the back waist region along the topsheet. The barriercuff strip includes a front end at the front waist region, a back end atthe back waist region and proximal and distal edges connecting the frontend and the back end. The barrier cuff strip distal edge is attached tothe topsheet at a cuff end bond region having an outer bond edge at oneof the front and back ends of the barrier cuff strip and an inner bondedge spaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge. The inner bond edgeis longitudinally spaced from the outer bond edge a longitudinal lengthof about ½ or more of a longitudinal length of the waist region at whichthe outer bond edge is located. An absorbent core is disposed betweenthe topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes an absorbentlayer including an absorbent material comprising a superabsorbentpolymer material wherein at least about 60 percent by weight of theabsorbent material is the superabsorbent polymer material.

In another aspect, the invention features an absorbent article thatincludes a chassis including a topsheet and a backsheet joined to thetopsheet. The chassis has a front waist region, a back waist region, acrotch region located between the front waist region and the back waistregion, a longitudinal axis extending through the front and back waistregions and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis. A barrier cuff strip extends in a longitudinaldirection from the front waist region to the back waist region along thetopsheet. The barrier cuff strip includes a front end at the front waistregion, a back end at the back waist region and proximal and distaledges connecting the front end and the back end. The barrier cuff stripdistal edge is attached to the topsheet at a cuff end bond region havingan outer bond edge at one of the front and back ends of the barrier cuffstrip and an inner bond edge spaced longitudinally from the outer bondedge a longitudinal length of about ½ or more of a longitudinal lengthof the waist region at which the outer bond edge is located. Anabsorbent core is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. Theabsorbent core includes an absorbent layer including an absorbentmaterial comprising a superabsorbent polymer material such that theabsorbent layer has a dry caliper of no more than about 5 mm.

In another aspect, the invention features an absorbent article havingopposite longitudinally extending sides and opposite laterally extendingends extending between the longitudinally extending sides. The absorbentarticle includes a chassis including a topsheet and a backsheet joinedto the topsheet. The chassis has a front waist region, a back waistregion, a crotch region located between the front waist region and theback waist region, a longitudinal axis extending through the front andback waist regions and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis. A barrier cuff strip extends in a longitudinaldirection from the front waist region to the back waist region along thetopsheet. The barrier cuff strip includes a front end at the front waistregion, a back end at the back waist region and proximal and distaledges connecting the front end and the back end. The barrier cuff stripdistal edge is attached to the topsheet at a cuff end bond region thathas an outer bond edge at one of the front and back waist regions and aninner bond edge spaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge. Anabsorbent core is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. Theabsorbent core includes an absorbent layer including an absorbentmaterial comprising a superabsorbent polymer material wherein at leastabout 60 percent by weight of the absorbent material is thesuperabsorbent polymer material. A longitudinal distance from the innerbond edge to the laterally extending side at the one of the front andback waist regions is about ½ or more of a longitudinal length of theone of the front and back waist regions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims pointing out anddistinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same willbe better understood by the following drawings taken in conjunction withthe accompanying specification wherein like components are given thesame reference number.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article embodiment having portionscut-away to reveal underlying structure;

FIG. 1A is a detail view of an embodiment of a bonding pattern formingan end bond region;

FIG. 1B is a detail view of another embodiment of a bonding patternforming an end bond region;

FIG. 1C is a detail view of another embodiment of a bonding patternforming an end bond region;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along section line 2-2 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along section line 3-3 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the absorbent article embodiment of FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary coronal view showing the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 in place on a wearer;

FIG. 6 is a section view of an embodiment of an absorbent layer;

FIG. 7 is a section view of another embodiment of an absorbent layer;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the absorbent layer of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of a rheometer;

FIG. 10 is a front schematic view of a diaper as worn by a wearer;

FIG. 11 is a side schematic view of a diaper as worn by a wearer;

FIG. 12 is a plan view, in cross-section, of a diaper as worn by awearer;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an absorbentarticle constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of yet another alternative embodiment of anabsorbent article constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 15-15 of FIG.14;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofa barrier cuff assembly;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view of a further alternativeembodiment of a barrier cuff assembly;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view of a diaper embodiment having adual cuff barrier cuff;

FIG. 19 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of an absorbentarticle; and

FIG. 20 is a section view of an embodiment of an absorbent articleshowing an acquisition system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All documents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference. Thecitation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that itis prior art with respect to the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

“Absorbent article” refers to devices that absorb and contain liquid,and more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or inproximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the variousexudates discharged from the body. “Longitudinal” is a direction runningparallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article and includesdirections within ±45° of the longitudinal direction.

The “lateral” or “transverse” direction is orthogonal to thelongitudinal direction.

The “Z-direction” is orthogonal to both the longitudinal and transversedirections.

The “x-y plane” refers to the plane congruent with the longitudinal andtransverse directions.

The term “disposable” is used herein to describe absorbent articles thatgenerally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored orreused as an absorbent article (i.e., they are intended to be discardedafter a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted orotherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).

As used herein, the term “disposed” is used to mean that an element(s)is formed Joined and positioned) in a particular place or position as aunitary structure with other elements or as a separate element joined toanother element.

As used herein, the term “joined” encompasses configurations whereby anelement is directly secured to another element by affixing the elementdirectly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element isindirectly secured to another element by affixing the element tointermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.The term “joined” further encompasses configurations where two elementsare formed from a single material.

A “unitary” absorbent article refers to absorbent articles which areformed of separate parts united together to form a coordinated entity sothat they do not require separate manipulative parts like a separateholder and liner.

As used herein, the term “diaper” refers to an absorbent articlegenerally worn by infants and incontinent persons about the lower torso.

The terms “water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to thepenetrability of materials in the context of the intended usage ofdisposable absorbent articles. Specifically, the term “water-permeable”refers to a layer or a layered structure having pores, openings, and/orinterconnected void spaces that permit liquid water to enter or passthrough its thickness in the under typical use conditions (for examplewithout the need to apply a significant or unrepresentative forcingpressure). Conversely, the term “water-impermeable” refers to a layer ora layered structure through the thickness of which liquid water cannotpass in the absence of a forcing pressure (for example, under typical inuse conditions). A layer or a layered structure that iswater-impermeable according to this definition may be permeable to watervapor, i.e., may be “vapor-permeable”. As is well known in the art, acommon method for measuring the permeability to water of the materialstypically used in absorbent articles is a hydrostatic pressure test,also called a hydrostatic head test or simply a “hydrohead” test.Suitable well known compendial methods for hydrohead testing areapproved by INDA (formerly the International Nonwovens and DisposablesAssociation, now The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry) andEDANA (European Disposables And Nonwovens Association).

As used herein, the term “barrier cuff” refers to an elasticized flapwhich stands substantially upright, more preferably inwardly towards thelongitudinal centerline, within the crotch region with the absorbentarticle in an contracted state (FIG. 4). Typically, said barrier cuffenvelopes/contains at least one elastic that is connected primarily atits opposing ends to the diaper (e.g., drawstring technique for betterfit).

As used herein, the term “gasketing cuff” refers to an elasticized flapwhich does not stand substantially upright, or which more preferably isdisposed outwardly towards the longitudinal side edges of the diaper,within the crotch region. Typically, said gasketing cuffenvelopes/contains at least one elastic that is connected substantiallythroughout its length to the diaper (e.g., multiple bonds along lengthof elastic to create gathers).

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of adiaper 20 in a flat-out, uncontracted state (i.e., without elasticinduced contraction) with portions of the structure being cut away tomore clearly show the underlying structure of the diaper 20 and with theportion of the diaper 20 which contacts the wearer facing the viewer.The diaper 20 is shown in FIG. 1 to have a front waist region 22, a backwaist region 24, a crotch region 26, and a periphery 28 which is definedby the outer edges of the diaper in which the longitudinal edges aredesignated 30 and the end edges are designated 32. The diaper 20additionally has a lateral axis or centerline which is designated 34 anda longitudinal axis or centerline which is designated 36.

A main body or chassis 23 of the diaper 20 has an outer coveringincluding liquid permeable topsheet 38, a top surface of the topsheet 38being designated 40; a liquid impermeable backsheet 42; and an absorbentcore 44 having side edges 46 and comprising an absorbent layer 48 andfirst and second tissue layers (or nonwoven wrapping layers) 50 and 52,respectively, encased between the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42. Forunitary absorbent articles, the chassis 23 comprises the main structureof the diaper with other features added to form the composite diaperstructure. For example, the diaper 20 may include a pair of fastenercomponents 54; gasketing cuffs 56 each comprising side flap 58 and flapelastic members 60; barrier cuffs 62 each having a proximal edge 64, adistal edge 66, an inboard surface 68, an outboard surface 70, a firstend 72 and a second end 74; and spacing means 76, such as spacingelastic member 77 for spacing the distal edge 66 away from the topsheettop surface 40. The diaper 20 additionally includes a bond 78 and/ormultiple bonds 78, 120 such as an adhesive glue bead for securing closedthe first and second ends 72 and 74 of each barrier cuff 62. Otherattachment means 78 may include thermal bonds, mechanical bonds,pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, combinations of these, or the like.The areas in which the bond 78 and, in some embodiments, bond 120 aredisposed are designated the front bond region 80 and the back bondregion 82. The front bond regions 80 begin at an outer bond edge 81located at the first end 72 and end at an inner bond edge 83 that isspaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge 81. Similarly, back bondregions 82 begin at an outer bond edge 85 located at the second end 74and end at an inner bond edge 87 that is spaced longitudinally from theouter bond edge 85. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer bond edges81, 85 are formed by bonds 78, the inner bond edges 83 are formed bydiscrete, separate bonds 120 that are spaced longitudinally from thebonds 78 and the inner bond edges 87 are formed by bonds 78. As shown,the bonds 120 and 78 may be offset laterally from each other.Alternatively, the bonds 120, 78 may be substantially laterally aligned.

Referring to FIG. 1A, any one or more of the bond regions 80, 82 may beformed by a single, continuous bond 78 that extends continuously from anouter bond edge 81, 85 to an inner bond edge 83, 87. FIG. 1B showsanother embodiment where a bond region 80, 82 is formed by a continuousbond 93 having a first portion 95, a second portion 97 and a thirdportion 101 connecting the first and second portions. As can be seen,the first portion 95 is offset laterally from the second portion 97. Asanother exemplary embodiment, FIG. 1C shows more than two bonds formingthe bond region 80, 82 where outermost bond 89 forms outer bond edge 81,85 and innermost bond 91 forms inner bond edge 83, 87. The terms “outer”and “inner” are relative to the lateral centerline 34.

Referring back to FIG. 1, while the topsheet 38, the backsheet 42, andthe absorbent core 44 may be assembled in a variety of well-knownconfigurations, preferred diaper configurations are described generallyin U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 entitled “Contractible Side Portions forDisposable Diaper” issued to Kenneth B. Buell on Jan. 14, 1975; U.S.Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on Sep. 9, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No.5,221,274 issued to Buell on Jun. 22, 1993; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,145entitled “Absorbent Article With Multiple Zone Structural Elastic-LikeFilm Web Extensible Waist Feature” issued to Roe et al. on Sep. 10,1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234 entitled “Disposable Pull-On Pant” issuedto Buell et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,411 entitled “ZeroScrap Method For Manufacturing Side Panels For Absorbent Articles”issued to Nease, et al. on Dec. 3, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,306entitled “Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional Extensible SidePanels” issued to Robles et al. on Dec. 21, 1999.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the diaper 20 in which the topsheet 38 andthe backsheet 42 are coextensive and have length and width dimensionsgenerally larger than those of the absorbent core 44. The topsheet 38 isassociated with and superposed on the backsheet 42 thereby to form theperiphery 28 of the diaper 20. The periphery 28 defines the outerperimeter or, in other words, the edges of the diaper 20. The periphery28 includes the end edges 32 and the longitudinal edges 30. The topsheet38 need not be generally coextensive with the backsheet 42. For example,the topsheet 38 could be more narrow than the backsheet 42 or more widethan the backsheet 42. The overall diaper structure could be a shapedstructure with a narrowing in the crotch region 26 as shown in FIG. 1.Separate “ear” or side panels 154 are attached to the chassis 23 at theback waist region 24. In some embodiments, such side panels 154 could beintegral with the chassis or be separately attached. In someembodiments, side panels 154 may be attached to the chassis 23 at thefront waist region 22, for example, instead of or in addition to at theback waist region 24.

It may be desirable to provide the diaper 20 with extensibility orelasticity in all or a portion of the side panels 154. As used herein,the terms “extensible” and “stretchable” refer to materials that arecapable of extending in at least one direction to a certain degreewithout rupture. The terms “elasticity”, “elastically extensible” and“elastically stretchable” refer to extensible materials that have theability to return to approximately their original dimensions after theforce that extended the material is removed. As used herein, anymaterial or element described as extensible or as stretchable may alsobe elastically extensible or elastically stretchable unless otherwiseprovided. Extensible side panels 154 may provide a more comfortable andcontouring fit by initially conformably fitting the diaper 20 to thewearer and sustaining this fit throughout the time of wear even afterthe diaper has been loaded with exudates since extensible side panels154 can allow the sides of the diaper 20 to expand and contract.Extensible side panels 154 may also further provide more effectiveapplication of the diaper 20 since even if one pulls one side panel 154farther than the other side panel 154 during application of the diaper,the diaper may self-adjust during wear. Fasteners, such as fasteners 54may be attached to or integral with such side panels 154 if they areincluded.

While the extensible side panels 154 may be constructed in a number ofconfigurations, examples of diapers with extensible side panels aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,067, entitled “Disposable Diaper HavingShirred Ears” issued to Wood, et al. on Aug. 15, 1989; U.S. Pat. No.4,381,781 issued to Sciaraffa, et al. on May 3, 1983; U.S. Pat. No.4,938,753 issued to Van Gompel, et al. on Jul. 3, 1990; in U.S. Pat. No.5,151,092 issued to Buell et al. on Sep. 29, 1992; U.S. Pat. No.6,677,258 issued to Carroll et al. on Jan. 13, 2004 and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/396,977 filed on Mar. 25, 2003.

Side panels 154 may be joined to the diaper 20 in any suitable manner.Side panels 154 may be affixed directly to the backsheet 42 at a paneljoint region 155, e.g., formed by adhesive, pressure bonding or anyother attachment material and/or process. In some embodiments, the jointregion 155 may be formed by more than one process, such as by anadhesive bond and a pressure bond. Certain attachment methods aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,258 already referred to above. Jointregion 155 has an outer panel joint edge 147 formed at an outermost bondlocation between the side panel 154 and the backsheet 42 and an innerpanel joint edge 149 formed at an innermost bond location between theside panel 154 and the backsheet 42. Joint region 155 may be formed byseveral, longitudinally spaced-apart bonds 151 and/or joint region 155may be formed by a single, continuous bond.

The diaper 20 has front and back waist regions 22 and 24 extendingrespectively from the end edges 32 of the diaper periphery 28 toward thelateral axis 34 of the diaper 20 a distance from about ¼ to about ⅓ thelength of the diaper 20. The waist regions comprise those portions ofthe diaper 20 which, when worn, encircle the waist of the wearer. Thecrotch region 26 is that portion of the diaper 20 between the waistregions 22 and 24, and comprises that portion of the diaper 20 which,when worn, is positioned between the legs of the wearer and covers thelower torso of the wearer.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1and depicts the diaper construction in the back waist region 24 of thediaper 20. The absorbent core comprises the absorbent layer 48 that isshown as being completely enveloped by the first and second tissuelayers (or nonwoven layers) 50 and 52. The absorbent core 44 is disposedbetween the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42; both the topsheet 38 andthe backsheet 42 extend beyond the side edge 46 of the absorbent core 44to define the side flap 58. The juxtaposed areas of the topsheet 38 andthe backsheet 42 are secured together such as by adhesive 88. In theillustrated embodiment, the flap elastic members 60 do not extend intothe waist region so that the gasketing cuff 56 is not formed in thisregion. The barrier cuff 62 is shown as being a separate element securedto the topsheet 38; the proximal edge 64 being formed by securing theelement to the topsheet 38 by bond 92. Bond 92 could be any suitableattachment mechanism such as adhesive, mechanical bonding, thermalbonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, combinations of these, orthe like. The inboard surface 68 of the barrier cuff 62 is secured tothe topsheet top surface 50 by bond 78 such as the glue bead 79. Thisbond 78 could also be accomplished through a variety of mechanisms suchas adhesive, mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, pressure bonding,ultrasonic bonding, or the like. Therefore, the distal edge 66 is closed(i.e., it is not spaced away from the topsheet top surface 40). Itshould be noted that the spacing elastic member 77 is not disposed inthis region because the distal edge 66 is not designed to be spaced awayfrom the topsheet top surface 40 in the waist regions. Therefore, thebarrier cuff 62 is neither open nor ready to constrain the flow of bodyexudates in this region.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1and depicts the diaper construction in the crotch region 26 of thediaper 20 as it is shaped before being applied to the wearer (i.e., thediaper 20 is subjected to elastic contraction). The absorbent core 44comprises the absorbent layer 48 that is shown as being completelyenveloped by the first and second tissue or nonwoven layers 50, 52. Theabsorbent core 44 is disposed between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet42; both the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 extend beyond the sideedge 46 of the absorbent core 44 to define the side flap 58. Thejuxtaposed areas of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 are securedtogether by a joint such as an adhesive bond 88. The topsheet 38 and thebacksheet 42 also enclose the flap elastic members 60 adjacent thelongitudinal edge 30 in the periphery 28. The flap elastic members 60are secured in the topsheet-backsheet formed side flap 58 by elasticattachment means 90. The elastically contractible gasketing cuff 56 isthereby formed by the side flap 58 by elastic attachment means 90. Thebarrier cuff 62 is shown as being formed by securing an element to thetopsheet 38 between the flap elastic members 60 and the side edge 46 ofthe absorbent core 44. The proximal edge 64 of the barrier cuff 62 isformed by securing the barrier cuff element to the topsheet 38 byattachment means 92. The spacing elastic members 77 are enclosed in atunnel that is formed when an end of the barrier cuff element is foldedback on itself; the spacing elastic members 77 being secured in thebarrier cuff 62 by elastic attachment bond 94, the elastic members 77being unattached in the crotch region 26 or, alternatively, may beattached in the crotch region 26 as well, for example, with an extensionof the elastic attachment bond 94 or with a separate bond. The distaledge 66 of the barrier cuff is spaced away from the topsheet top surface40 by the elastic gathering action of the spacing elastic members 77; achannel 96 thereby being formed by at least the proximal edge 64, thedistal edge 66 and the inboard surface 68 of the barrier cuff 62. Thechannel 96 is shown as being ready to restrain, contain, and hold bodyexudates until the diaper 20 is removed from the wearer.

The topsheet 38 may be fully or partially elasticized or may beforeshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 38 andthe core 44. Exemplary structures including elasticized or foreshortenedtopsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,536 issuedto DesMarais et al. on Jan. 9, 1990 entitled “Absorbent Article HavingElastic Strands”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147 issued to Freeland on Feb. 5,1991 entitled “Absorbent Article With Elastic Liner For Waste MaterialIsolation”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,416 issued to Allen et al. on Aug. 6,1991 entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article Having ElasticallyExtensible Topsheet”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,775 issued to Freeland etal. on Dec. 14, 1993 entitled “Trisection Topsheets For DisposableAbsorbent Articles and Disposable Absorbent Articles Having SuchTrisection Topsheets.”

The absorbent core 44 may comprise any absorbent material that isgenerally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer'sskin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine andother certain body exudates. The absorbent core 44 may include first andsecond opposed faces and comprise an absorbent layer 48 and first andsecond tissue or nonwoven layers 50, 52. The first and second tissue ornonwoven layers 50, 52 may overlay the major surfaces of the absorbentlayer 48 to form the first and second opposed faces of the absorbentcore. The absorbent core 44 may comprise a wide variety ofliquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and otherabsorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp, which is generallyreferred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materialsinclude creped cellulose wadding; melt blown polymers, includingco-form; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosicfibers; tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbentfoams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gellingmaterials; or any other known absorbent material or combinations ofmaterials. The absorbent core 44 may be comprised of multiple layersincluding a layer or multiple layers forming an acquisition 45 and/ordistribution system (see, for example, FIG. 20). Such an acquisition ordistribution layer may be coextensive with the remaining layers of thecore, or may be or different dimensions or positioning. The absorbentcore 44 may be made predominately of superabsorbent material (e.g.,about 50 weight percent or more, such as about 60 weight percent ormore, such as about 70 weight percent or more, such as about 80 weightpercent or more, such as about 90 weight percent) without the additionof absorbent fibers (such as a “airfelt free” core). Such an airfeltfree core may comprise predominately superabsorbent particles, and amicrofiber glue. Superabsorbent materials are those which are capable ofabsorbing at least about 10 grams, e.g., at least about 20 grams ormore, of Synthetic Urine (0.9 percent NaCl aqueous solution) per gram ofsuperabsorbent material. The core structure may also include wetnesssensation members or a combination of wetness sensation member (ormembers) and an acquisition layer or layers. Any or all of the corestructures (such as the optional wetness sensation member(s) oracquisition layer(s)) may be tinted or highlighted for visibility ifdesired.

Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent assemblies aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678 entitled “High-Density AbsorbentStructures” issued to Weisman et al. on Sep. 9, 1986; U.S. Pat. No.4,673,402 entitled “Absorbent Articles With Dual-Layered Cores” issuedto Weisman et al. on Jun. 16, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,735, entitled“High Density Absorbent Members Having Lower Density and Lower BasisWeight Acquisition Zones”, issued to Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989;U.S. Pat No. 4,888,231 entitled “Absorbent Core Having A Dusting Layer”issued to Angstadt on Dec. 19, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,537 entitled“Absorbent Structure Containing Individualized, Polycarboxylic AcidCrosslinked Wood Pulp Cellulose Fibers” which issued to Herron et al. onAug. 11, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,345 entitled “High EfficiencyAbsorbent Articles For Incontinence Management” issued to Young et al.on Sep. 15, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,338 entitled “Disposable AbsorbentArticle For Low-Viscosity Fecal Material” issued to Roe on Aug. 30,1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,345 entitled “Absorbent Foam Materials ForAqueous Body Fluids and Absorbent Articles Containing Such Materials”issued to DesMarais et al. on Nov. 9, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207entitled “Thin-Until-Wet Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous BodyFluids And Process For Making Same” issued to Dyer et al. on Feb. 7,1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,316 entitled “Slitted Absorbent Members ForAqueous Body Fluids Formed Of Expandable Absorbent Materials” issued toLaVon et al. on Mar. 14, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,222 entitled“Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous Fluids Made From high InternalPhase Emulsions Having Very High Water-To-Oil Ratios” issued toDesMarais et al. on Jul. 22, 1997; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.2004/0162536 published on Aug. 19, 2004 entitled “Comfortable Diaper.”The backsheet 42 is generally that portion of the diaper 20 positionedadjacent the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 44. Backsheet42 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained therein from soilingarticles that may contact the diaper 20, such as bed sheets andundergarments. In preferred embodiments, the backsheet 26 issubstantially impermeable to liquids (e.g., urine) and comprises alaminate of a nonwoven and a thin plastic film such as a thermoplasticfilm having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm(2.0 mils). Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured byTredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, IN and sold under the tradenames X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitable backsheet materials mayinclude breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from thediaper 20 while still preventing exudates from passing through thebacksheet 42. Exemplary breathable materials may include materials suchas woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such as film-coatednonwoven webs, and microporous films such as manufactured by MitsuiToatsu Co., of Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO and by EXXONChemical Co., of Bay City, TX, under the designation EXXAIRE. Suitablebreathable composite materials comprising polymer blends are availablefrom Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, OH under the name HYTREL blendP18-3097. Such breathable composite materials are described in greaterdetail in PCT Application No. WO 95/16746, published on Jun. 22, 1995 inthe name of E. I. DuPont and U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,823 issued to Curro onFeb. 2, 1999. Other breathable backsheets including nonwoven webs andapertured formed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,096 issuedto Dobrin et al. on Nov. 5, 1996. An exemplary, suitable backsheet isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,537 entitled “Disposable absorbentarticles providing a skin condition benefit” issued to Elder et al onAug. 22, 2000. Other suitable materials and/or manufacturing techniquesmay be used to provide a suitable backsheet 42 including, but notlimited to, surface treatments, particular film selections andprocessing, particular filament selections and processing, etc.

Backsheet 42 may also consist of more than one layer, as exampled inFIG. 1, wherein a backsheet outer layer (often referred to as thebacksheet) may be made of a soft, non-woven material and a backsheetinner layer may be made of a substantially impermeable film. Adhesive orany other suitable material or method may be used to join layers andtogether. While a variety of backsheet configurations are contemplatedherein, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that variousother changes and modifications can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

The diaper 20 may also include a flexible fastening system. Thefastening system preferably maintains the front waist region 22 and theback waist region 24 in a configuration so as to provide lateraltensions about the circumference of the diaper 20 to hold the diaper 20on the wearer. Flexible fastening system includes a first fastenercomponent 54 and a second, fastener component 55 capable of releasablymating with the first fastener component 54. The fastener components 54and 55 such as a base of the fastener components can be formed of aflexible material, e.g., having a flexural modulus of 80 Kpsi or less,such as between about 10 Kpsi and about 80 Kpsi. In some embodiments,the fastener components may be formed of a material having a relativelylow modulus of elasticity, such as about 1 Gpa or less, such as about0.5 Gpa or less.

By forming fastener components 54 and 55 of a relatively flexiblematerial, greater body conformity can be achieved. “Body conformity”refers to the percent deflection of a fastening device in the fastenedconfiguration per force (kgf) of compressive deflection load of afastening device. The body conformity of a fastening device may bemeasured with the fastening device in a fastened configuration with thefastener components 54 and 55 of the fastening device interlocked. Insome embodiments, it is preferable to have a body conformity of greaterthan about 500 percent per kilogram force of load (% /kgf), such asgreater than about 1000% /kgf. Details of measuring body conformity of afastening device is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.2003/0233082, entitled “Highly Flexible And Low Deformation FasteningDevice”, Published on Dec. 18, 2003.

First fastener component 54 is in the form of tape tabs 54, which may beapplied to the back waist region 24 (or front waist region 22) of thediaper 20. Alternatively, the fastening system may employ adhesivefasteners, cohesive fasteners, selective adhesive fasteners, mechanicalfasteners, hook and loop fastening components, interlocking fastenerssuch as tabs & slots, buckles, buttons, snaps, macro-fasteners, and/orhermaphroditic fastening components, and combinations of any of thesealthough any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. Someexemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.3,848,594 entitled “Tape Fastening System for Disposable Diaper” issuedto Buell on Nov. 19, 1974; U.S. Pat. No. B1 4,662,875 entitled“Absorbent Article” issued to Hirotsu et al. on May 5, 1987; U.S. Pat.No. 4,846,815 entitled “Disposable Diaper Having An Improved FasteningDevice” issued to Scripps on Jul. 11, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,060entitled “Disposable Diaper With Improved Hook Fastener Portion” issuedto Nestegard on Jan. 16, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,527 entitled“Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Fastener And Method of Making Same” issuedto Battrell on Aug. 7, 1990; the herein before referenced U.S. Pat. No.5,151,092 issued to Buell on Sep. 9, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274issued to Buell on Jun. 22, 1993. An exemplary interlocking fasteningsystem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098 entitled “AbsorbentArticle Fastening Device” in the names of Kline et al. issued on Aug.13, 2002. The fastening system 55 may also provide a means for holdingthe article in a disposal configuration as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,963,140 issued to Robertson et al. on Oct. 16, 1990. The fasteningsystem may also include primary and secondary fastening systems, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,622 entitled “Disposable Diaper HavingAn Improved Side Closure” issued to Toussant et al. on Oct. 13, 1987. toreduce shifting of overlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,242,436 entitled “Absorbent Article With FasteningSystem Providing Dynamic Elasticized Waistband Fit” issued to Weil etal. on Sep. 7, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,978 entitled “Absorbent ArticleWith Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Having A Predisposed ResilientFlexural Hinge” issued to Buell et al. on Mar. 19, 1996; U.S. Pat. No.5,507,736 entitled “Absorbent Article With Dynamic Elastic Waist FeatureComprising An Expansive Tummy Panel” issued to Clear et al. on Apr. 16,1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,152 entitled “Absorbent Article With DynamicElastic Waist Feature Having A Predisposed Resilient Flexural Hinge”issued to Buell et al. on Jan. 7, 1997.

In some embodiments, the article may be preformed by the manufacturer tocreate a pant. The term “pant”, as used herein, refers to disposablegarments having a waist opening and leg openings designed for infant oradult wearers. A pant may be placed in position on the wearer byinserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the pantinto position about the wearer's lower torso. A pant may be preformed byany suitable technique including, but not limited to, joining togetherportions of the article using refastenable and/or non-refastenable bonds(e.g., seam, weld, adhesive, cohesive bond, fastener, etc.). While theterm “pant” is used herein, pants are also commonly referred to as“closed diapers”, “prefastened diapers”, “pull-on diapers”, “trainingpants” and “diaper-pants”. Suitable pants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,246,433, issued to Hasse, et al. on Sep. 21, 1993; U.S. Pat. No.5,569,234, issued to Buell et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; U.S. Pat. No.6,120,487, issued to Ashton on Sep. 19, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,489,issued to Johnson et al. on Sep. 19, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464,issued to Van Gompel et al. on Jul. 10, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,861,issued to Nomura et al. on Mar. 3, 1992; U.S. patent application Ser.No. 2003/0233082, entitled “Highly Flexible And Low DeformationFastening Device”, Published on Dec. 18, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,545,issued to Kline et al. on Apr. 27, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,908, issuedto Kline et al on Sep. 28, 1999.

The diaper 20 may also include such other features as are known in theart including graphics, front and rear ear panels, waist cap features,elastics and the like to provide better fit, containment and aestheticcharacteristics. Such additional features are well known in the art andare described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each barrier cuff 62 is aflexible member having a proximal edge 64, a distal edge 66, an inboardsurface 68, and an outboard surface 70. As used herein, the termflexible refers to materials which are compliant and will readilyconform to the general shape and contours of the body. In addition, ifthe spacing means 76 comprise spacing elastic members 77, the barriercuff 62 should be contractible so that the distal edge 66 may besufficiently spaced away from the topsheet top surface 40 so that achannel 96 is formed to restrain, contain, and hold body exudates withinthe article. The barrier cuff 62 may be manufactured from a wide varietyof materials such as polypropylene, polyester, rayon, nylon, foams,plastic films, formed films, and elastic films. The barrier cuff 62 mayalso include absorbent materials including absorbent glue, if desired. Anumber of manufacturing techniques may be used to manufacture thebarrier cuff. For example, the barrier cuff 62 may be woven, non-woven,spunbonded, carded, or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the barrier cuff 62, and more particularlythe proximal edge 64, is disposed inboard of and preferably adjacent tothe gasketing cuff 56. The term “inboard” is defined as the directiontoward the centerline (34 or 36, respectively) of the diaper that isparallel to the respective edge of the diaper 20 along which theparticular gasketing cuff 56 is disposed. The barrier cuff 62 isdisposed inboard of the gasketing cuff 56 so that exudates, especiallyloose fecal material which is not easily absorbed and tends to floatalong the topsheet top surface 40, will contact the barrier cuff 62before it can contact the gasketing cuff 56. The barrier cuff 62 isdisposed adjacent the gasketing cuff 56 to provide a more effective dualrestraint against the flow of body exudates.

The proximal edge 64 and the distal edge 66 are in spaced relation toeach other and define the width of the barrier cuff 62. The proximal anddistal edges 64, 66 may be in a parallel, non-parallel, rectilinear, orcurvilinear relationship. In addition, the barrier cuff 62 may have avariety of different cross-sectional areas including circular, square,rectangular, or any other shape such as shown in FIG. 3. The proximaledge 64 may be spaced from the distal edge 66 in a parallel andrectilinear relationship to provide a barrier cuff 62 having uniformwidth. Each barrier cuff 62 may have a width of at least 5 mm and may beapproximately 10-50 mm. The barrier cuff 62 may be formed from a foldedstructure in which portions of the cuff material may be folded back uponitself at one or more locations. In such constructions the distal andproximal edges usually are the most inboard and outboard locations ofthe cuff material with regard to any folding back of such cuff material.

Each barrier cuff 62 may be joined to the topsheet 38. As noted above,the term joined includes any means for affixing the barrier cuff 62 tothe diaper 20, and includes embodiments wherein the barrier cuff 62 is aseparate element having a proximal edge 64 directly or indirectlyattached to the topsheet 38 or embodiments wherein the barrier cuff 62is made from the same element or material as the topsheet 38 so that theproximal edge 64 is a continuous and undivided element of the topsheet42. The barrier cuff 62 may alternatively be joined to the backsheet 42,the absorbent core 44, the topsheet 38, or any combination of these orother elements of the diaper 20. If provided integrally with thetopsheet 38, the barrier cuff 62 may be formed by a single strip ofmaterial which is secured to the topsheet 38 by attachment means 92, thedistal edge 66 being formed by folding an end of the material back uponitself. The barrier cuff 62 can also be formed out of the same materialas the topsheet 38 or the backsheet 42 or by the combination of thetopsheet and backsheet materials. Additionally, the barrier cuff 62 maybe formed out of a portion of the core assembly.

The distal edge 66 may be disposed inboard of the proximal edge 64 topresent a more effective barrier against the flow of exudates. Thedistal edges 66 are maintained inboard of the proximal edges 64 byattachment means 78 (such as adhesive, thermal bonds, pressure bonds,ultrasonic bonds, etc.) so as to obviate their inversion. The distaledge 66 may be unsecured to any other element in at least the crotchregion 26 of the diaper 20 so that it may be spaced away from the topsurface 40 of the topsheet 38. The distal edge 66 may be spaced from thetopsheet top surface 40 so that the barrier cuff 62 may form a channel96 to enhance containment of the article. As used herein, “spaced”includes embodiments wherein the distal edges 66 may assume one or morepositions relative to the topsheet top surface 40 including at sometimes assuming a position adjacent the topsheet top surface. Thedistance between the distal edge 66 to the topsheet top surface 40 ismeasured along a line drawn from the distal edge 66 to the closest partof the topsheet 38 when the distal edge 66 is positioned so as to bespaced away from the topsheet as far as possible (i.e., in theelastically contracted position). The distal edge 66 may be spaced awayfrom the topsheet 38 by a height of at least 2 mm, and more may bespaced from about 5 mm to about 50 mm.

The channel 96 is formed at least along the proximal and distal edges64, 66 and the inboard surface 68 of the barrier cuff 62. The channel 96forms a barrier to the flow of exudates as they tend to move or floatacross the topsheet 38. Thus, the channel 96 holds and contains exudatesuntil the diaper 20 can be removed. The barrier cuffs 62 may be providedwith absorbent means and/or may be rendered liquid impermeable asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,246 which issued to Lawson on May 10,1988.

The spacing means 76 for spacing the distal edge 66 away from thetopsheet top surface 40 is any member which gathers, contracts,stiffens, shortens, or otherwise acts on the barrier cuff 62 so as tocause a channel 96 to be formed along the barrier cuff 62 to provide aconstraint against the leakage of exudates. As shown in FIG. 1, thespacing means 76 may comprise a spacing elastic member 77 securedadjacent the distal edge 66 inside the barrier cuff 62. The spacingelastic member 77 is preferably secured to the barrier cuff 62 in anelastically contractible condition so that in a normally unrestrainedconfiguration, the spacing elastic member 77 effectively contracts orgathers the barrier cuff 62. The spacing elastic member 77 can besecured to the barrier cuff 62 in an elastically contractible conditionin at least two ways as is discussed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat.No. 3,860,003 issued to K. B. Buell. In addition, the length of thespacing elastic member 77 in general is dictated by the diaper design.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the spacing elastic member 77extends essentially the entire length of the barrier cuff 62 in thecrotch region 26, although other lengths are cognizable. Additionaldetails and alternatives for the spacing means are discussed in theabove-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,246 to Lawson.

Bonds 78 for securing end portions 72 and 74 of the barrier cuff 62closed are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The bonds 78 provide a morecomfortable fit for the wearer and obviate inversion of the distal edges66 of the barrier cuff 62 during application and use. Inversion isgenerally defined as the inboard disposed distal edge 66 turningoutwardly when the diaper 20 is applied to the wearer. In the embodimentillustrated at FIGS. 1 and 2, such bonds 78 are disposed in the frontwaist region 22 and the back waist region 24 of the diaper in the frontbond region 80 and the back bond region 82, respectively. The remainingportions of the barrier cuff 62 may not be secured closed so that thedistal edges 66 are generally left freely openable.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the diaper 20 in its elasticallycontracted position prior to being placed on the wearer. The topsheet 38is shown as the body contacting surface of the diaper 20, the backsheet42 being disposed away from the body of the wearer. The gasketing cuffs56 are shown to be gathered or contracted. The diaper 20 is shown ashaving two barrier cuffs 62 extending adjacent to and inboard of thegasketing cuffs 56. The distal edges 66 are shown to be gathered andcontracted by the spacing elastic members (not shown) in the crotchregion 26 so as to provide a longitudinally extending channel 96 alongthe diaper 20. In addition, the ends 72, 74 of the barrier cuff aresecured closed in the front and back bond regions 80, 82, respectively,so as to provide comfort for the wearer, to obviate inversion of thebarrier cuffs, and for ease of application of the diaper.

One way of applying the diaper 20 is by positioning the back waistregion 24 under the wearer's back, and drawing the remainder of thediaper 20 between the wearer's legs so that the front waist region 22 ispositioned across the front of the wearer. The ends of the tape-tabfasteners 54 are then secured to outwardly facing areas 55 (or matingfastener components) of the diaper 20. In this manner the barrier cuffs62 should be disposed in the crotch region of the wearer and shouldprovide the dispositions and functions described hereinbefore. Thediaper 20 may also be applied with the wearer standing up, if desired.Once applied, the distal edges 66 of the barrier cuffs 62 extend throughthe groin area and diverge upwardly along both of the buttocks of thewearer. Neither of the barrier cuffs 62 encircles the thighs of thewearer. However, the gasketing cuffs 56 will encircle the thighs andcreate a gasketing action against the thighs. The ends 72, 74 of thebarrier cuff 62 are secured to the topsheet 38 to obviate the inversionof the barrier cuffs, for comfort to the wearer during application anduse, and for ease of application.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary coronal view showing a section of the diaper 20of FIG. 1 in place on a wearer. A coronal view is a frontal plane thatpasses through the long axis of the body. As shown in FIG. 5, thegasketing cuffs 56 ride down on the legs and encircle the thighs of thewearer. The barrier cuffs 62 ride up on the legs and run through thecrotch region and diverge upwardly over both the buttocks of the wearer.The distal edges 66 are spaced away from the topsheet top surface 40 andlie against the perineum of the wearer. The barrier cuffs 62 are,therefore, pushed snugly against the perineum of the wearer in thecrotch region 26 of the diaper 20. The size of the channel 96 isenhanced by the resiliency of the absorbent core 44 because the coretends to push itself away from the perineum. This results in the diaper20 having channels 96 extending along the crotch region of the wearer.Therefore, body exudates are restrained from penetrating beyond thebarrier cuffs 62 because the channels 96 form a barrier to the flow ofexudates. As loose fecal material is discharged onto the topsheet 38,the material flows or floats along the topsheet top surface 40(hereinafter referred to as “surface material”). The surface materialmoves from the point of discharge toward the longitudinal edges 30 andwill contact the barrier cuffs 62 along the inboard surfaces 68. Innormal use, gravitational forces will tend to cause the surface materialto collect in the channel 96 formed by the standing barrier cuff 62; thematerial being held in the channels 96 until the diaper 20 can beremoved. Containment is achieved because the surface material would haveto flow up the channel 96, which direction is substantially directlyagainst the force of gravity when the wearer is in an upright position,in order to penetrate and flow over the distal edges 66 of the barriercuffs 62. However, should such material flow beyond the barrier cuffs62, it is retarded from leaking out of the diaper 20 by the gasketingeffect achieved by the gasketing cuffs 56, as they draw and gather theside flaps 58 about the legs of the wearer, thereby providing a secondand independent effective barrier against leakage.

Absorbent core 44 may include an absorbent layer formed to providecomfort while providing desired absorptive properties. Turning to FIG.6, in an embodiment, absorbent layer 48 includes a substrate layer 61,absorbent polymer material 63 and a fibrous layer of adhesive 69. Thesubstrate layer 61 can be provided from a non-woven material. Theabsorbent polymer material 63 may be immobilized when wet such that theabsorbent core 44 achieves a wet immobilization of more than 50 percent,preferably of more than 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent or 90 percentaccording to the Wet Immobilization Test described in 10/776,851 (Beckeret. al), published as U.S. Publication No. 2004/0162536.

The substrate layer 61 has a first surface 65 and a second surface 67.At least portions of the first surface 65 of the substrate layer 61 arein direct contact with a layer of absorbent polymer material 63. Thislayer of absorbent polymer material 63 may be a discontinuous layer. Asused herein, a discontinuous layer is a layer having openings. Typicallythese openings have a diameter or largest span of about 10 mm or less,preferably about 5 mm or less, about 3 mm or less, about 2 mm or lessand of about 0.5 mm or more, 1 mm or 1.5 mm. At least portion of theabsorbent polymer material 63 layer is in contact with at least portionsof the first surface 65 of the substrate layer material 61. Theabsorbent polymer material 63 defines a certain height H of the layer ofabsorbent polymer material 63 above the first surface 65 of the layer ofsubstrate material 61. When the absorbent polymer material 63 layer isprovided as a discontinuous layer, portions of the first surface of thesubstrate layer 61 are not covered by absorbent polymer material 63. Theabsorbent layer 48 further includes the adhesive in the form ofthermoplastic composition 69. This thermoplastic composition 69 servesto at least partially immobilize the absorbent polymer material 63.

In one embodiment, the thermoplastic composition 69 can be disposedessentially uniformly within the polymeric absorbent material 63.However, as an alternative embodiment, the thermoplastic composition 69is provided as a fibrous layer which is partially in contact with theabsorbent polymer material 63 and partially in contact with thesubstrate layer 61. As shown in FIG. 6, the absorbent polymer material63 is provided as a discontinuous layer, the layer of fibrousthermoplastic composition 69 is laid down onto the layer of absorbentpolymeric material 63, such that the thermoplastic composition 69 is indirect contact with the first surface of the layer of absorbent polymermaterial 63, but also in direct contact with the first surface 65 of thesubstrate layer 61 where the substrate layer 61 is not covered by theabsorbent polymeric material 63. This imparts an essentiallythree-dimensional structure to the fibrous layer of thermoplasticcomposition 69 which, in itself, is essentially a two-dimensionalstructure of relatively small measured thickness.

The thermoplastic composition 69 provides cavities 71 to hold theabsorbent polymer material 63, and thereby immobilizes this material 63.In a further aspect, the thermoplastic composition 69 bonds to thesubstrate layer 61 and thus affixes the absorbent polymer material 63 tothe substrate 61. In some implementations, thermoplastic composition 69will also penetrate into both the absorbent polymer material 63 and thesubstrate layer 61, thus providing for further immobilization andaffixation. While the thermoplastic materials disclosed herein provide amuch improved wet immobilisation (i.e., immobilisation of absorbentmaterial when the article is wet or at least partially loaded), thesethermoplastic materials also provide a very good immobilisation ofabsorbent material when the article is dry.

In some embodiments, the absorbent polymer material 63 may also be mixedwith absorbent fibrous material, such as comminuted wood pulp generallyreferred to as airfelt material, which can provide a matrix for furtherimmobilization of the super-absorbent polymer material. However, arelatively low amount of fibrous cellulose material may be used,preferably less than 40 weight percent, 20 or 10 weight percent ofcellulose fibrous material as compared to the weight of absorbentpolymer material 63. Substantially airfelt free cores are preferredhaving about five weight percent or less airfelt material, such as noairfelt material. Core 44 can be, for instance, an airfelt free core asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/776,851 (Becker et.al), published as U.S. Publication No. 2004/0162536. As used herein, theterm “absorbent fibrous material” is not meant to refer to anythermoplastic material even if such thermoplastic material is fiberizedand partially absorbent.

An alternative storage layer embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. Theabsorbent layer 48 shown further includes a cover layer 73. This coverlayer 73 may be provided of the same material as the substrate layer 61,or may be provided from a different material. Preferred materials forthe cover layer 73 are non-woven materials. In this embodiment, portionsof the cover layer 73 bond to portions of the substrate layer 61 via thethermoplastic composition 69. Thereby, the substrate layer 61 togetherwith the cover layer 73 provides cavities to immobilize the absorbentpolymer material 63.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 the areas of direct contact between thethermoplastic composition layer 69 and the substrate material 61 arereferred to as areas of junction 75. The shape number and disposition ofthe areas of junction 75 will influence the immobilization of theabsorbent polymer material 63. The areas of junction 75 can be ofsquared, rectangular or circular shape. Preferred areas of junction 75are of circular shape. In some embodiments, circular shaped areas ofjunction 75 have a diameter of more than 0.5 mm, or 1 mm, or 1.5 mm andof less than 10 mm, or 5 mm, or 3 mm, or 2 mm. If the areas of junction75 are not of circular shape, they may be of a size as to fit inside acircle of any of the preferred diameters given above.

The areas of junction 75 can be disposed in a regular or irregularpattern. For example, the areas of junction 75 may be disposed alonglines as shown in FIG. 8. These lines may be aligned with thelongitudinal axis of the absorbent core 44, or alternatively they mayhave a certain angle in respect to longitudinal edges of the absorbentcore 44. It has been found, that a disposition along lines parallel withthe longitudinal edges of the absorbent core 44 create channels in thelongitudinal direction which lead to a lesser wet immobilization.Preferably, therefore the areas of junction 75 are arranged along lineswhich form an angle of 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, or 45 degreeswith a longitudinal line of the absorbent core 44. Another preferredpattern for the areas of junction 75 is a pattern comprising polygons,for example pentagons and hexagons or a combination of pentagons andhexagons. Also preferred are irregular patterns of areas of junction 75,which also have been found to give a good wet immobilization.

Two fundamentally different patterns of areas of junctions 75 can bechosen in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, theareas of junctions 75 are discrete and are positioned within the areasof absorbent material 63, like islands in a sea. The areas of absorbentmaterials 63 are then referred to as connected areas. In an alternativeembodiment, the areas of junctions 75 can be connected. Then, theabsorbent material 63 can be deposited in a discrete pattern, or inother words the absorbent material 63 represents islands in a sea ofthermoplastic material 69. Hence, a discontinuous layer of absorbentpolymer material 63 may comprise connected areas of absorbent polymermaterial 63 or may comprise discrete areas of absorbent polymer material63. In a some embodiments, it has been found that absorbent cores 44providing for a good wet immobilization can be formed by combining twolayers as shown in FIG. 6.

The thermoplastic layer 69 can be formed of any suitable thermoplasticcomposition, such as adhesive thermoplastic compositions, also referredto as hot melt adhesives. A variety of thermoplastic compositions aresuitable to immobilize absorbent material.

Some initially thermoplastic materials may later lose theirthermoplasticity due to a curing step, e.g., initiated via heat, UVradiation, electron beam exposure or moisture or other means of curing,leading to the irreversible formation of a crosslinked network ofcovalent bonds. Those materials having lost their initial thermoplasticbehaviour are herein also understood as suitable for formingthermoplastic composition 69.

Without wishing to be bound by theory it has been found that thosethermoplastic compositions which may be useful for immobilizing theabsorbent polymer material 63 are those that combine sufficient cohesionand adhesion behaviour. Sufficient adhesion can ensure that thethermoplastic composition layer 69 maintains contact with the absorbentpolymer material 63 and in particular with the substrate 61. Sufficientadhesiveness can be a challenge to achieve, namely when a non-wovensubstrate 61 is used. Sufficient cohesion can ensure that the adhesivedoes not rupture, in particular in response to external forces, andnamely in response to strain. The adhesive is subject to external forceswhen the absorbent product has acquired liquid, which is then stored inthe absorbent polymer material 63 which in response swells. A preferredadhesive will allow for such swelling, without breaking and withoutimparting too many compressive forces, which would restrain theabsorbent polymer material 63 from swelling. Desirably, the adhesiveshould not rupture, which may deteriorate the wet immobilization. Insome instances, thermoplastic compositions meeting these requirementshave the following features:

The thermoplastic composition may comprise, in its entirety, a singlethermoplastic polymer or a blend of thermoplastic polymers, having asoftening point, as determined by the ASTM Method D-36-95 “Ring andBall”, in the range between 50° C. and 300° C., or alternatively thethermoplastic composition may be a hot melt adhesive comprising at leastone thermoplastic polymer in combination with other thermoplasticdiluents such as tackifying resins, plasticizers and additives such asantioxidants.

The thermoplastic polymer has typically a molecular weight (Mw) of morethan 10,000 and a glass transition temperature (Tg) usually below roomtemperature. Typical concentrations of the polymer in a hot melt are inthe range of 20-40 percent by weight. A wide variety of thermoplasticpolymers are suitable. Such thermoplastic polymers may be waterinsensitive. Exemplary polymers are (styrenic) block copolymersincluding A-B-A triblock structures, A-B diblock structures and (A-B)nradial block copolymer structures wherein the A blocks arenon-elastomeric polymer blocks, typically comprising polystyrene, andthe B blocks are unsaturated conjugated diene or (partly) hydrogenatedversions of such. The B block is typically isoprene, butadiene,ethylene/butylene (hydrogenated butadiene), ethylene/propylene(hydrogenated isoprene), and mixtures thereof.

Other suitable thermoplastic polymers that may be employed aremetallocene polyolefins, which are ethylene polymers prepared usingsingle-site or metallocene catalysts. Therein, at least one comonomercan be polymerized with ethylene to make a copolymer, terpolymer orhigher order polymer. Also applicable are amorphous polyolefins oramorphous polyalphaolefins (APAO) which are homopolymers, copolymers orterpolymers of C2 to C8 alphaolefins.

The thermoplastic resin has typically a Mw below 5,000 and a Tg usuallyabove room temperature, typical concentrations of the resin in a hotmelt are in the range of 30-60 percent. The plasticizer has a low Mw oftypically less than 1,000 and a Tg below room temperature, a typicalconcentration is 0-15 percent.

Preferably the adhesive is present in the forms of fibers throughout thecore. Preferably, the fibers will have an average thickness of 1-50micrometer and an average length of 5 mm to 50 cm. To improve theadhesion of the thermoplastic composition 69 material to the substratelayer 61 or to any other layer, in particular any other non-woven layer,such layers may be pre-treated with an auxiliary adhesive. In someimplementations, the adhesive will meet at least one, and morepreferably several or all of the following parameters:

The adhesive will have a storage modulus G′ measured at 20° C. of atleast 30,000 Pa and less than 300,000 Pa preferably less than 200,000Pa, more preferably less than 100,000 Pa. The storage modulus G′ at 20°C. is a measure for the permanent “tackiness” or permanent adhesion ofthe thermoplastic material used. Sufficient adhesion will ensure a goodand permanent contact between the thermoplastic composition 69 materialand for example the substrate layer 61. In a further aspect, the storagemodulus G′ measured at 60° C. should be less than 300,000 Pa and morethan 18,000 Pa, preferably more than 24,000 Pa, most preferably morethan 30,000. The storage modulus measured at 60° C. is a measure for theform stability of the thermoplastic composition 69 material at elevatedambient temperatures. This value is particularly important if theabsorbent article 20 is used in a hot climate where the thermoplasticcomposition 69 material would lose its integrity if the storage modulusG′ at 60° C. is not sufficiently high.

G′ is typically measured using a rheometer 93 as schematically shown inFIG. 9 for the purpose of general illustration only. The rheometer 93 iscapable of applying a shear stress to the adhesive and measuring theresulting strain (shear deformation) response at constant temperature.The adhesive is placed between a Peltier-element acting as lower, fixedplate 103 and an upper plate 105 with a radius R of e.g., 10 mm, whichis connected to the drive shaft of a motor to generate the shear stress.The gap between both plates has a height H of e.g., 1500 micron. ThePeltier-element enables to control the temperature of the material(+0.5° C.).

In a further aspect, the loss angle tan delta of the adhesive at 60° C.should be below the value of 1, preferably below the value of 0.5. Theloss angle tan delta at 60° C. is correlated with the liquid characterof an adhesive at elevated ambient temperatures. The lower tan delta,the more an adhesive behaves like a solid rather than a liquid, i.e.,the lower its tendency to flow or to migrate and the lower the tendencyof an adhesive superstructure as described herein to deteriorate or evento collapse over time. This value may be particularly important if theabsorbent article 20 is used in a hot climate.

In a further aspect, the adhesive can have a glass transitiontemperature Tg of less than 25° C., e.g., less than 22° C., less than18° C., and less than 150° C. A low glass transition temperature Tg isbeneficial for good adhesion. In some instances, a low glass transitiontemperature Tg ensures that the adhesive thermoplastic material does notbecome too brittle.

In yet a further aspect, an adhesive will have a sufficiently highcross-over temperature Tx. A sufficiently high cross-over temperature Txhas, in some cases, been found beneficial for high temperature stabilityof the thermoplastic layer and can ensure performance of the absorbentarticle 20 and in particular good wet immobilization even underconditions of hot climates and high temperatures. In some embodiments,Tx is above 80° C., such as above 85° C., such as above 90° C.

In some embodiments, an adhesive material useful as the thermoplasticmaterial 69 as described herein will meet most or all of the aboveparameters. Specific care must be taken to ensure that the adhesiveprovides good cohesion and good adhesion at the same time. A suitableprocess for producing the absorbent layer 48 is described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/776,851 (Becker et. al) referred to above.

In some embodiments, the distribution of absorbent polymeric material 63varies along the absorbent layer 48, for example, in the longitudinaldirection. Hence, along the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core 44,which is normally coincident with the longitudinal axis 36 of theabsorbent article 20 (FIG. 1), the basis weight of the absorbent polymermaterial 63 will change. In some implementations, crotch region of theabsorbent layer 48 may have a higher basis weight of absorbent material63 (e.g., 50 percent or more) than at the ends of the absorbent layer48. In other embodiments, distribution of absorbent polymeric materialmay not be profiled and may be substantially constant along thelongitudinal axis of the absorbent core 44.

In some embodiments having a varying distribution of absorbent polymermaterial 63, the basis weight of absorbent polymer material 63 in atleast one freely selected first square measuring 1 cm² is at least 10percent, or 20 percent, or 30 percent, 40 percent or 50 percent higherthan the basis weight of absorbent polymer material in at least onefreely selected second square measuring 1 cm². The front half of theabsorbent layer 48 may include most of the absorbent capacity of thecore. In some embodiments, the front half of said absorbent corecomprises more than 60 percent of the absorbent capacity, morepreferably more than 65 percent, 70 percent, 75 percent, 80 percent, 85percent, or 90 percent.

Optionally, the absorbent core 44 can also comprise an absorbent fibrousmaterial, for example cellulose fibers. This fibrous material can bepre-mixed with the absorbent polymeric material 63 and be laid down inone process step or it can alternatively be laid-down in separateprocess steps.

It has been found beneficial to use a particulate absorbent polymermaterial 63 for absorbent cores 44. Without wishing to be bound bytheory it is believed that such material, even in the swollen state,i.e., when liquid has been absorbed, does not substantially obstruct theliquid flow throughout the material, especially when the permeability asexpressed by the saline flow conductivity of the absorbent polymermaterial 63 is greater than 10, 20, 30 or 40 SFC-units, where 1 SFC unitis 1×10⁻⁷ (cm³ s)/g.

As to achieve a sufficient absorbent capacity (e.g., at least about 1g/cm² or more of 0.9 percent NaCl solution, at least about 2 g/cm² ormore of 0.9 percent NaCl solution, such as between 2 g/cm² and 4 g/cm²of 0.9 percent NaCl solution, such as about 2.5 g/cm² of 0.9 percentNaCl solution) in the absorbent article 20, superabsorbent polymermaterial 63 will be present with an average basis weight of about 50g/m² or more. In some embodiments, density of absorbent material of thestorage layer 24 may be about 400 g/m³, such as about 500 g/m³, such asabout 600 g/m³, such as about 700 g/m³, such as about 800 g/m³, such asabout 900 g/m³.

In some embodiments, absorbent layer 48 (and absorbent core 44) formedof regions of absorbent polymer material 63 as described above may havea relatively small dry caliper. In some embodiments, absorbent layer 48may have a dry caliper of about 5 mm or less, such as about 4 mm orless, such as about 2 mm or less. In some of these embodiments, thetotal dry caliper of the diaper 20 at the core region 26 may be about 6mm or less, such as about 5 mm or less. In some embodiments, theabsorbent layer 48 may expand to a caliper of about 5 times or more thanits dry caliper as the absorbent layer 48 absorbs liquid. In someinstances, the absorbent layer 48 may swell to a caliper of about 2 cmor more at full capacity, such as between about 2 cm and about 6 cm,such as about 2.5 cm. In some embodiments, absorbent layer 48 may have adry caliper that is about 50 percent or less (e.g., about 40 percent orless, about 30 percent or less, about 25 percent or less, about 20percent or less, about 15 percent or less, about 10 percent or less,about 5 percent or less, and the like) of the total dry caliper of theabsorbent core 44. In some embodiments, at full capacity, the absorbentlayer 48 may swell to a wet caliper that is about 60 percent or greater(e.g., about 65 percent or greater, about 70 percent or greater, about75 percent or greater, about 80 percent or greater, about 85 percent orgreater, about 90 percent or greater) of the total caliper of theabsorbent core 44.

Caliper, basis weight and density is determined using a specimen of adefined area such as by cutting with a sample cutter is weighed to atleast 0.1 percent accuracy. Caliper is measured under an appliedpressure of 2.3 kPa (0.33 psi) by using a conventional calipermeasurement device with a flat plate with a radius of 2 cm, which can beloaded with defined weights. The test specimen can then be placedbetween this plate and a flat surface and the distance between the plateand the base surface can be measured. The standard caliper measurementis executed by carefully (to avoid over compression) applying a weightof 295 g. The weight is left for at least about 5 seconds, upon whichthe distance reading is taken. This procedure is repeated at least threetimes for one specimen to provide a representative number of test data.

The basis weight of a test specimen can be tested by determiningsufficiently accurately the weight of a test specimen of known area.Conveniently, a test specimen of 10 cm by 10 cm is weighted, e.g., on ascale having an accuracy of 0.001 g. From basis weight as weight perunit area expressed in g/m² and caliper expressed in mm at 2100 Papressure the density expressed in g/cm³ can be readily calculated.

While barrier cuffs provide additional protection against leakage offloating exudates, it has been found that they may promote diaper sag,particularly in the front waist. Applicants have identified acontradiction between leakage protection and sustained fit in the priorart barrier cuffs. More specifically, and focusing on the front waistregion, for improved leakage protection it is desirable that the frontbond region 80 have a shorter length (such as 0 to 60 mm), while forprevention of waist sag it is desirable that the front bond region 80 belonger (such as 80 to 110 mm). In identifying this trade-off, applicantshave noted that the contractible forces from typical elasticized barriercuffs are typically approximately 0.3 to 1.0 N, while the forces from aloaded absorbent core may be approximately 1.5 to 3 N. Due to the pointsat which these forces are applied, however, applicants have found thatthe smaller forces applied by the unloaded elasticized cuff are a causeof diaper sag. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believedthat front waist diaper sag will not occur if the following “no sag”criterium is met:$f_{pull} \leq \frac{{f(c)} \cdot w \cdot T \cdot \left( {{{c_{fr} \cdot \cos}\quad\overset{\prime}{\alpha}} + {\sin\quad\overset{\prime}{\alpha}}} \right)}{r}$

where,

f_(pull) is the force pulling a portion of the diaper defined as the“tension band” down (measured in cN),

f(c) is a dimensionless function of c, monotonic increasing, it is smallfor c=0,

c is an anchoring point parameter that indicates where pulling force isapplied,

T is the tension in the diaper “tension band” (measured in cN),

w is the width of the diaper “tension band” (measured in cm),

r is the radius of curvature along the band plane (measured in cm),

C_(fr) is the diaper material coefficient of friction, and

{acute over (α)}is the cone angle (measured in degrees).

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate the variables included in the no sag criterium.More specifically, FIG. 10 is a front view of a diaper on a wearer inwhich the tension band of the diaper is bounded by an upper edge 110 anda lower edge 112, which generally defines the area of the diaper placedin tension to maintain the diaper on the wearer. The width w of thetension band is also illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The anchoringparameter variable c is related to the ratio of dimension Z measuredfrom the upper edge 110 to the point at which the pulling force isapplied to the width w of the tension band at the pulling force location(i.e., c=Z/w). The cone angle {acute over (α)}is illustrated in FIG. 11and is measured as the angle of the diaper with respect to a referenceline 114 extending normal to the plane of a centerline 116 of thetension band and a line tangential to babies surface. The radius ofcurvature r is the curvature of the tension band at the anchoring point,as illustrated in FIG. 12.

The relationships identified in the no sag criterium suggest severalalternatives for reducing sagging. As used herein, the terms “waist sag”and “waist sagging” refer to the relative movement of the lateral edge32 of the front waist region 22 versus an anatomic reference, such as awearer's navel, between the time of initial application of the absorbentarticle on the wearer and some later time. For example, sagging is lesslikely if the anchoring parameter c is large, which may be accomplishedby locating the anchoring point at the lower edge or below the tensionband. Sagging is also less likely if the radius of curvature r is small,which is accomplished by locating the anchoring point where the radiusof curvature is small, such as at the hips. The criterium furthersuggests that a large cone angle a will make sagging less likely, andmay be accomplished by locating the anchoring point where the cone angleis large, such as at the hips. Maximizing the tension band width w maybe accomplished with greater longitudinal dimension tapes. Therelationship of the variables may also suggest reducing sagging bylocating the upper edge of the tension band higher relative to thetackdown point (i.e., the inner bond edge 83) of the barrier cuff 62.Also, locating the ears of the diaper high on the product (even abovethe waist) creates a higher landing zone which may increase thelikelihood of satisfying the no sag criterium.

In addition, lowering the tackdown point of the barrier leg cuff 62 mayaid in reducing waist sag in embodiments where relatively flexibleabsorbent cores 44 and/or profiled absorbent cores 44 are utilized toform the absorbent article. Typically, absorbent cores 44 havingrelatively high concentrations of superabsorbent polymer material haverelatively low dry calipers. In many instances, as caliper decreases,the bending and buckling stiffness of the absorbent core 44 (and theabsorbent article) decreases. In many embodiments, air felt freeabsorbent cores have low bending or buckling stiffness. It is believedthat diapers 20 having low stiffness absorbent cores 44 and a resultinglow flexure resistance (e.g., about 750 g or less, such as about 500 gor less, such as 250 g or less) have a lower f(c) at a constant c and bylengthening the front bond region 80, waist sag can be reduced for suchdiapers. Flexure resistance is determined in accordance with theModified Circular Bend Procedure set forth below. Additionally,absorbent cores 44 having a profiled distribution of superabsorbentmaterial often have a greater concentration of superabsorbent materialin the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20. Thus, when loaded, suchprofiled cores tend to contain more liquid in the crotch region, whichmay lead to increased diaper sag. It is believed that by lengthening thefront bond region 80, waist sag can be reduced for such diapers.

Applicants have found that a longer front bond region 80 such as throughuse of intermediate bond 120 in conjunction with bond 78 (or acontinuous bond such as those illustrated by FIGS. 1A and 1B) applied toeach barrier cuff 62 may reduce front waist sagging while allowing thebarrier cuff 62 to effectively retain floating exudates. In someembodiments, a length L₁ of front bond region 80 may be about ¼ of thelongitudinal length of waist region 22 or more, such as ⅓ of thelongitudinal length of waist region 22 or more, such as 1/2 of thelongitudinal length of waist region 22 or more, such as about the samelength as the longitudinal length of the waist region 22 or more, suchas between about ¼ and about the same length as the longitudinal lengthof front waist region 22. In some embodiments, front bond region 80 mayhave an L₁ of 60 mm or greater, such as 70 mm or greater. In someembodiments, L₁ may be between about 80 mm and 110 mm.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the intermediate bond 120 joins the barriercuff inboard surface 68 to an interior surface, such as the topsheet topsurface 40. The intermediate bond 120 is preferably laterally offsetfrom the bond region 78 so that it is located laterally between theproximal and distal edges 64, 66 of the barrier cuff 62. In theillustrated embodiment, the intermediate bond 120 is locatedapproximately midway between the proximal and distal edges 64, 66. Theintermediate bond 120 is further preferably longitudinally offset fromthe bond 78 so that it is located longitudinally between bond 78 and thelateral axis 34 of the diaper 20. Preferably, the intermediate bond 120is located within the front waist region 22, however, the intermediatebond 120 may be located in the back waist region 24.

In addition to the considerations identified by the no sag criterium,applicants have identified further considerations for minimizing diapersag. For example, is believed that lengths of the bond regions,particularly front bond region 80 and panel joint region 155 andlocations of their respective inner end bond edge 83 and inner jointedge 149 may affect sagging. In particular, it may be preferable tolocate the inner bond edge 81 of the front bond region 80 nearer to oreven inner of (i.e., nearer the lateral axis 34) the inner panel jointedge 149. This is described in greater detail in U.S. patent applicationSer. No.______ , entitled “Absorbent Article Including Barrier Leg CuffStructure and an Elastically Stretchable Side Panel,” filed on the sameday as the instant application (Attorney Reference No. 10172Q).

Anchoring the barrier cuff to a diaper element having greater stiffness,such as the absorbent core, or the landing zone may also reduce sag.Referring to FIG. 13, a diaper 130 is illustrated having a topsheet 132,acquisition layer 134, absorbent core 136, and backsheet (not shown).Two barrier cuffs 138 are joined to the topsheet 132 and include aproximal edge 140 and a distal edge 142. Each proximal edge 140 isattached to the topsheet 132 at an edge bond 144 running alongsubstantially the entire length of the barrier cuff. The distal edges142 are attached to the topsheet 132 at end bonds regions 145 includingend bonds 146 located at opposed ends of the distal edges 142 andintermediate bonds 148 located at points laterally and longitudinallyoffset from the end bonds 146 yet at locations which allow attachment toeither or both of the acquisition layer 134 and the absorbent core 136.The end bonds 146 and intermediate bonds 148 define inner and outeredges of end bond regions 145. By anchoring the barrier cuffs 138 to thestiffer diaper elements, diaper sag in the front waist region isreduced.

While the previous embodiments illustrate barrier cuffs having a distaledge located nearer the longitudinal centerline, an intermediate bond isalso effective for diapers having back-folded barrier cuffs where thedistal edge is located farther from the longitudinal centerline.Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a diaper 150 includes barrier cuffs 152having proximal edges 154 and distal edges 156. The distal edges 156 areanchored at end bond regions 157 defined by end bonds 160 andintermediate bonds 162. Intermediate bonds 162 are located laterally andlongitudinally offset from the end bonds 160 and along with the endbonds 160 form inner and outer edges of end bond regions 157. In theillustrated embodiment, the intermediate bonds 162 are aligned with theproximal edges 154 of the barrier cuffs 152 to minimize sagging in thefront waist region.

FIG. 16 illustrates a sectional view of an alternative barrier cuff 662formed by pleating the entire diaper structure (i.e., the backsheet 42,the absorbent core 44, and the topsheet 38). After pleating thestructure, the proximal edges 64 of the barrier cuff 662 are securedtogether by adhesive 98. The barrier cuff 662 may have spacing meanssuch as spacing elastic members 77 secured within the barrier cuff 662so elasticize the distal edges 66 so as to space the distal edges 66away from the top surface 40 of the topsheet 38.

FIG. 17 illustrates a further barrier cuff arrangement. A unitarybarrier cuff 762 is formed by U-folding or pleating the topsheet of thediaper 20. The topsheet is folded upon itself to form a distal edge 66;spacing elastic members 77 are secured within the tunnel formed in thedistal edge 66. The proximal edge 64 is secured by adhesive attachmentmeans 99 such as a glue bead made of hot melt adhesive.

FIG. 19 illustrates a barrier cuff 62 in which the end bond region 80,82 is comprised of a series of discrete patterned bonds such as pressurebonds 179. The intermediate bond 120 in such an embodiment are discretefrom and not part of the general pattern formed by the bonds 181 in theend bond region 80, 82.

In addition to single cuff barrier cuffs, the elongated end bond regionsuch as any of those described above may further be applied to dual cuffbarrier cuffs. FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a dual cuff barriercuff 230 in fragmentary sectional view taken in a crotch region of adiaper 220 as it is shaped before being applied to the wearer (i.e., thediaper is subjected to elastic contraction). Dual cuff 230 has aproximate end at cuff bond 270, distal ends 239 and 235 and regionstherebetween identified as first cuff 240 and second cuff 250. Dual cuff230 may be constructed from a continuous cuff material 233 thatsubstantially envelopes the elastics of first cuff 240 and second cuff250. More specifically, first cuff 240 has at least one elastic(although two elastics 242, 244 are shown) and second cuff 250 also hasat least one elastic (although two elastics 252, 254 are shown) that areenveloped within cuff material 233. In this way, only a continuous cuffmaterial 233 is used and manipulated during the construction of dualcuff 230, thus making easier the manufacturing of said dual cuff.Moreover, cuff material 233 need only be enclosed/bonded at a singlelocation, as exampled by cuff bond 270, in order to substantiallyenvelope elastics 242, 244, 252, 254, thus providing improved barrierproperties by minimizing the number of potential leakable locations(e.g., bonding locations). Herein, “continuous cuff material” means acuff material that is continuous along a path beginning from the cuffend bond, along said cuff material, and ending at the same cuff end bondsuch that the dual cuff 230 is substantially constructed of two layersof the materials, whether it is the same or different materials. Forexample, the continuous cuff material 233 may be constructed of alesser-water-permeable material (e.g., spunbound material which isinexpensive) with a more-water-permeable material (e.g., meltblownmaterial which is more expensive) placed inside saidlesser-water-permeable material. In another example, cuff material 233may be constructed of a spunbound-meltblown laminate. In yet anotherexample, cuff material 233 may be constructed of a series of variousmaterials so long as they are continuous. In yet another example, cuffmaterial 233 may be treated to increase its hydrophobicity. Suchhydrophobic treatments include, but are not limited to, the applicationof hydrophobic surface coating (as exampled in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 60/543,785, entitled “Hydrophobic Surface CoatedAbsorbent Articles And Associated Methods”, filed on Feb. 11, 2004) andflouro-treatment (as exampled in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 2004/0092902, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Articles With MaskingTopsheet”, Published on May 13, 2004). In yet another example, it may bedesirable that dual cuff 230 be connected to diaper 220 by way of asingle bond (e.g., adhesive, ultrasonic; e.g., cuff bond 270 to topsheet224).

Cuff bond 270 may extend substantially the entire longitudinal length ofdiaper 220. Cuff bond 270 may be adhesive, ultrasonic bonding,compression bonding, thermal bonding, combinations thereof, and anyother suitable bonding means known in the art which is appropriate forthe specific materials employed. Cuff bond 270 may also join dual cuff230 to topsheet 224. Lastly, an adhesive 276 having liquidimpermeability properties may be applied between the topsheet 224 andbacksheet 226 (or more specifically shown herein, backsheet inner layer227) to provide improved barrier properties. Adhesive 276 may be locatedjuxtaposed to intermediate bond 270; however, so long as adhesive 276helps to provide a containment of exudates, then its actual location maybe variable. Further, it may be desirable for the cuff material to onlybe bonded to itself by the cuff bond (i.e., no other bond similar tocuff bond 270 is used). Lastly, it may be desirable for both first cuff240 and second cuff 250 to be barrier cuffs.

Elastics 242, 244, 252, 254 may be operatively associated with theirrespective cuff by securing it within said cuff with an elasticattachment element 246. The elastic attachment element 246 should beflexible and of sufficient adhesiveness to hold elastics 242, 244, 252,254 in their stretched condition. Elastics 242, 244, 252, 254, having afirst and second end, may be secured to their respective cuff only neartheir ends or along their entire length. Elastic attachment element 246may be glue beads made of hot melt adhesive such as marketed by FindleyAdhesives Incorporated, Elmgrove, Wis., as Findley Adhesives 581.Alternatively, elastic attachment element 246 may take the form of anultrasonic bond or heat/pressure seal. A more detailed description ofthe manner in which the elastic attachment element 246 may be positionedand secured to their respective cuff can be found in U.S. Pat. No.4,081, 301, issued to Buell on Mar. 28, 1978, and in U.S. Pat. No.4,253,461, issued to Strickland and Visscher on Mar. 3, 1981, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. While elastics 242, 244 infirst cuff 240 and elastics 252, 254 in second cuff 250 were shown, itwould be obvious to those skilled in the art that one or more elasticsmay be used in each cuff without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Elastics 242, 244, 252, 254 which have been found suitable are elasticstrands having a cross section of 0.18 mm by 1.5 mm and made fromnatural rubber as available from Easthampton Rubber Company of Stewart,Va., under the trademark L-1900 Rubber Compound. Other suitable elasticscan be made from natural rubber, such as elastic tape sold under thetrademark Fulflex 9411 by Fulflex Company of Middletown, R. I. Elasticstrands sold as Fullflex may have a cross section of about 0.18 mm by0.52 mm and be suitable. Elastics 242, 244, 252, 254 may also compriseany heat shrinkable elastic material as is well known in the art. Othersuitable elastic materials may comprise a wide variety of materials asare well known in the art include elastomeric films, polyurethane films,elastomeric foams, formed elastic scrim and synthetic elastomers (e.g.,LYCRA). In addition, elastics 242, 244, 252, 254 may take a multitude ofconfigurations. For example, the width may be varied; a single strand orseveral parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material may beused; or a variety of shaped may be used including rectilinear andcurvilinear.

The dual cuff barrier cuff embodiments may also include pockets forreceiving and containing waste, spacers which provide voids for waste,barriers for limiting the movement of waste in the article, compartmentsor voids which accept and contain waste materials deposited in thediaper 220, and the like, or any combinations thereof. Examples ofpockets and spacers for use in absorbent products are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,514,121 issued to Roe et al. on May 7, 1996, entitled “DiaperHaving Expulsive Spacer“; U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,236 issued to Dreier etal. on Dec. 15, 1992 entitled ” Disposable Absorbent Article Having CoreSpacers“; U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,318 issued to Dreier on Mar. 14, 1995entitled “Absorbent Article Having A Pocket Cuff”; U.S. Pat. No.5,540,671 issued to Dreier on Jul. 30, 1996 entitled “Absorbent ArticleHaving A Pocket Cuff With An Apex”; PCT Application WO 93/25172published Dec. 3, 1993 entitled “Spacers For Use In Hygienic AbsorbentArticles And Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Spacer”; U.S.Pat. No. 5,306,266 entitled “Flexible Spacers For Use In DisposableAbsorbent Articles” issued to Freeland on Apr. 26, 1994; and U.S. Pat.No. 5,997,520 entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article With SelectivelyExpandable or Inflatable Component” issued to Ahr et al. on Dec. 7,1999. Examples of compartments or voids are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,968,312 entitled “Disposable Fecal Compartmenting Diaper” issued toKhan on Nov. 6, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147 entitled “AbsorbentArticle With Elastic Liner For Waste Material Isolation” issued toFreeland on Feb. 5, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,840, entitled “DisposableDiapers” issued to Holt et al on Nov. 5, 1991; and U.S. Pat. No.5,269,755 entitled “Trisection Topsheets For Disposable AbsorbentArticles And Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such TrisectionTopsheets” issued to Freeland et al on Dec. 14, 1993. Examples ofsuitable transverse barriers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,142entitled “Absorbent Article Having Multiple Effective Height TransversePartition” issued Sep. 10, 1996 in the name of Dreier et al.; PCT PatentWO 94/14395 entitled “Absorbent Article Having An Upstanding TransversePartition” published Jul. 7, 1994 in the name of Freeland, et al.; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,653,703 Absorbent Article Having Angular UpstandingTransverse Partition issued Aug. 5, 1997 to Roe, et al. Examples ofother structures especially suitable for management of low viscosityfeces are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,864 issued to Roe et al. onAug. 24, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,430 issued to Roe et al. on Nov. 2,1999 and 6,013,063 issued to Roe et al. on Jan. 11, 2000.

In addition, the present invention may be suitable for other diaperembodiments including those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,491 titled“Viscous Fluid Bodily Waste Management Article” issued Jan. 4, 2000;U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,870 titled “Fit And Sustained Fit Of A Diaper ViaChassis And Core Modifications” issued Feb. 23, 1999; U.S. Pat. No.5,897,545 titled “Elastomeric Side Panel for Use with ConvertibleAbsorbent Articles” issued Apr. 27, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,673 titled“Absorbent Article With Structural Elastic-Like Film Web Waist Belt”issued May 18, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,827 titled “Disposable Pull OnPant” issued Aug. 3, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,430 titled “AbsorbentArticle With Macro-Particulate Storage Structure” issued Nov. 2, 1999and U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,306 titled “Absorbent Article WithMulti-Directional Extensible Side Panels” issued Dec. 21, 1999.

Determining Flexibility of An Absorbent Core

Flexure-resistance of a disposable absorbent article is measured by peakbending stiffness. Peak bending stiffness is determined by a testmodeled after the ASTM D 4032-82 Circular Bend Procedure, the procedureconsiderably modified and performed as follows. The Modified CircularBend Procedure (hereinafter “the Procedure”) is a simultaneousmulti-directional deformation of a material in which one face of aspecimen becomes concave and another face becomes convex. The Proceduregives a force value related to flexure-resistance, simultaneouslyaveraging stiffness in all directions.

The apparatus necessary for the Procedure is a modified Circular BendStiffness Tester having the following components:

1. A smooth-polished steel plate platform which is 102.0×102.0×6.35millimeters having an 18.75 millimeter diameter orifice. The lap edge ofthe orifice should be at a 45 degree angle to a depth of 4.75millimeters.

2. A plunger having an overall length of 72.2 millimeters, a diameter of6.25 millimeters, a ball nose having a radius of 2.97 millimeters and aneedle-point extending 0.88 millimeter therefrom having a 0.33millimeter base diameter and a point having a radius of less than 0.5millimeter, the plunger being mounted concentric with the orifice andhaving equal clearance on all sides. Note that the needle-point ismerely to prevent lateral movement of the test specimen during testing.Therefore, if the needle-point significantly adversely affects the testspecimen (for example, punctures an inflatable structure), than theneedle-point should not be used. The bottom of the plunger should be setwell above the top of the orifice plate. From this position, thedownward stroke of the ball nose is to the exact bottom of the plateorifice.

3. A force-measurement gauge and more specifically an Instron invertedcompression load cell. The load cell has a load range of from about 0.0to about 2000.0 grams.

4. An actuator, and more specifically the Instron Model No. 1122 havingan inverted compression load cell. The Instron 1122 is made by theInstron Engineering Corporation, Canton, Mass.

In order to perform the Procedure, five representative disposableabsorbent articles are necessary. From one of the five articles to betested, some number “Y” of 37.5×37.5 millimeter test specimens are cut.Specimens having portions in which a topsheet is joined directly to abarrier sheet or which are a laminate of a topsheet, two or less tissuesheets and a barrier sheet, should not be tested. Samples should be fromthe part of the absorbent article that contains the absorbent core. Ifany of these significant absorbent portions of the disposable absorbentarticle meet the parameters of this test, then the diaposable absorbentarticle satisfies the test. Therefore, a number of different specimensshould be tested from each diaposable absorbent article. Certainly, thestructurally most flexible portion of the diaposable absorbent articleshould be tested, excluding those portions excluded above. The testspecimens should not be folded or bent by the test person, and thehandling of specimens must be kept to a minimum and to the edges toavoid affecting flexural-resistance properties. From the four remainingdiaposable absorbent article, an equal number “Y” of 37.5×37.5millimeter specimens, identical to the specimens cut from the firstnapkin, are cut. Thus, the test person should have “Y” number of sets offive identical specimens.

The specimens are conditioned by leaving them in a room which is 21±1°C. and 50±2% relative humidity for a period of two hours. The test plateis leveled. The plunger speed is set at 50.0 centimeters per minute perfull stroke length. A specimen is centered on the orifice platform belowthe plunger such that the body surface of the specimen is facing theplunger and the garment-facing surface of the specimen is facing theplatform. The indicator zero is checked and adjusted, if necessary. Theplunger is actuated. Touching the specimen during the testing should beavoided. The maximum force reading to the nearest gram is recorded. Theabove steps are repeated until all five of the identical specimens havebeen tested.

The peak bending stiffness for each specimen is the maximum forcereading for that specimen. Remember that “Y” number of sets of fiveidentical specimens were cut. Each set of five identical specimens istested and the five values received for that set are averaged. Thus, thetest person now has an average value for each of the “Y” sets tested.Remember, if any of the significantly absorbent portions of thediaposable absorbent article have the requisite flexure-resistance, thenthe article satisfies the parameters of this test. Therefore, theflexure-resistance for a particularly designed diaposable absorbentarticle is the greatest of these average peak bending stiffnesses.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis including a topsheet and abacksheet joined to the topsheet, the chassis having a front waistregion, a back waist region, a crotch region located between the frontwaist region and the back waist region, a longitudinal axis extendingthrough the front and back waist regions and a lateral axissubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a barrier cuffstrip extending in a longitudinal direction from the front waist regionto the back waist region along the topsheet, the barrier cuff stripincluding a front end at the front waist region, a back end at the backwaist region and proximal and distal edges connecting the front end andthe back end, the barrier cuff strip distal edge being attached to thetopsheet at a cuff end bond region having an outer bond edge at one ofthe front and back ends of the barrier cuff strip and an inner bond edgespaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge; and an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent coreincluding an absorbent layer including an absorbent material comprisinga superabsorbent polymer material wherein at least about 60 percent byweight of the absorbent material is the superabsorbent polymer material;wherein the inner bond edge is longitudinally spaced from the outer bondedge a longitudinal length of about ½ or more of a longitudinal lengthof the waist region at which the outer bond edge is located.
 2. Theabsorbent article of claim 1 having a dry caliper of no more than about6 mm in the crotch region.
 3. The absorbent article of claim 2, whereinthe absorbent layer has a dry caliper of no more than about 5 mm.
 4. Theabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent core achieves a wetimmobilization of about 60 percent or more.
 5. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the superabsorbent polymer material is present with anaverage basis weight of about 50 g/m² or more in the absorbent core. 6.The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent core has agreater absorbent capacity in the crotch region than in a regionadjacent the crotch region.
 7. The absorbent article of claim 1, whereinthe inner bond edge and the outer bond edge are located at the frontwaist region.
 8. The absorbent article of claim 7, wherein a bonddefining the inner bond edge and the outer bond edge extendscontinuously from the inner bond edge to the outer bond edge.
 9. Theabsorbent article of claim 7, wherein a first bond defines the outerbond edge and a second bond defines the inner bond edge, the second bondbeing spaced apart longitudinally from the first bond.
 10. The absorbentarticle of claim 9, wherein the second bond is offset laterally from thefirst bond.
 11. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the inner bondedge is longitudinally spaced from the outer bond edge a longitudinallength of about 60 mm or more.
 12. The absorbent article of claim 11,wherein the inner bond edge is longitudinally spaced from the outer bondedge a longitudinal length of about 70 mm or more.
 13. The absorbentarticle of claim 11, wherein the inner bond edge is longitudinallyspaced from the outer bond edge a longitudinal length of between about80 mm and 110 mm.
 14. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein eachbarrier cuff strip includes a longitudinally extending elastic gatheringmember attached adjacent to the distal edge such that when allowed torelax, the elastic gathering member contracts and lifts the distal edgeaway from the topsheet.
 15. The absorbent article of claim 1 having aflexure resistance of about 750 g or less.
 16. The absorbent article ofclaim 1 having a flexure resistance of about 500 g or less.
 17. Theabsorbent article of claim 1 having a flexure resistance of about 250 gor less.
 18. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis including atopsheet and a backsheet joined to the topsheet, the chassis having afront waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region located betweenthe front waist region and the back waist region, a longitudinal axisextending through the front and back waist regions and a lateral axissubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a barrier cuffstrip extending in a longitudinal direction from the front waist regionto the back waist region along the topsheet, the barrier cuff stripincluding a front end at the front waist region, a back end at the backwaist region and proximal and distal edges connecting the front end andthe back end, the barrier cuff strip distal edge being attached to thetopsheet at a cuff end bond region having an outer bond edge at one ofthe front and back ends of the barrier cuff strip and an inner bond edgespaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge a longitudinal length ofabout ½ or more of a longitudinal length of the waist region at whichthe outer bond edge is located; and an absorbent core disposed betweenthe topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core including anabsorbent layer including an absorbent material comprising asuperabsorbent polymer material wherein the absorbent layer having a drycaliper of no more than about 5 mm.
 19. The absorbent article of claim18, wherein the absorbent core has a dry caliper of no more than about 6mm in the crotch region.
 20. The absorbent article of claim 18, whereinthe absorbent core achieves a wet immobilization of about 60 percent ormore.
 21. The absorbent article of claim 18, wherein the superabsorbentpolymer material is present with an average basis weight of about 50g/m² or more in the absorbent core.
 22. The absorbent article of claim18, wherein the absorbent core has a greater absorbent capacity in thecrotch region than in a region adjacent the crotch region.
 23. Theabsorbent article of claim 18, wherein the inner bond edge and the outerbond edge are located at the front waist region.
 24. The absorbentarticle of claim 23, wherein a bond defining the inner bond edge and theouter bond edge extends continuously from the inner bond edge to theouter bond edge.
 25. The absorbent article of claim 23, wherein a firstbond defines the outer bond edge and a second bond defines the innerbond edge, the second bond being spaced apart longitudinally from thefirst bond.
 26. The absorbent article of claim 25, wherein the secondbond is offset laterally from the first bond.
 27. The absorbent articleof claim 18, wherein the inner bond edge is longitudinally spaced fromthe outer bond edge a longitudinal length of about 60 mm or more. 28.The absorbent article of claim 27, wherein the inner bond edge islongitudinally spaced from the outer bond edge a longitudinal length ofabout 70 mm or more.
 29. The absorbent article of claim 27, wherein theinner bond edge being longitudinally spaced from the outer bond edge alongitudinal length of between about 80 mm and 110 mm.
 30. The absorbentarticle of claim 18, wherein each barrier cuff strip includes alongitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent tothe distal edge such that when allowed to relax, the elastic gatheringmember contracts and lifts the distal edge away from the topsheet. 31.The absorbent article of claim 18 having a flexure resistance of about750 g or less.
 32. The absorbent article of claim 18 having a flexureresistance of about 500 g or less.
 33. The absorbent article of claim 18having a flexure resistance of about 250 g or less.
 34. An absorbentarticle having opposite longitudinally extending sides and oppositelaterally extending ends extending between the longitudinally extendingsides, the absorbent article comprising: a chassis including a topsheetand a backsheet joined to the topsheet, the chassis having a front waistregion, a back waist region, a crotch region located between the frontwaist region and the back waist region, a longitudinal axis extendingthrough the front and back waist regions and a lateral axissubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a barrier cuffstrip extending in a longitudinal direction from the front waist regionto the back waist region along the topsheet, the barrier cuff stripincluding a front end at the front waist region, a back end at the backwaist region and proximal and distal edges connecting the front end andthe back end, the barrier cuff strip distal edge being attached to thetopsheet at a cuff end bond region having an outer bond edge at one ofthe front and back waist regions and an inner bond edge spacedlongitudinally from the outer bond edge; and an absorbent core disposedbetween the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core including anabsorbent layer including an absorbent material comprising asuperabsorbent polymer material wherein at least about 60 percent byweight of the absorbent material is the superabsorbent polymer material;wherein a longitudinal distance from the inner bond edge to thelaterally extending side at the one of the front and back waist regionsis about 1/2or more of a longitudinal length of the one of the front andback waist regions.
 35. The absorbent article of claim 34, wherein theabsorbent layer has a dry caliper of no more than about 5 mm.
 36. Theabsorbent article of claim 34, wherein the absorbent core achieves a wetimmobilization of about 60 percent or more.
 37. The absorbent article ofclaim 34, wherein the superabsorbent polymer material is present with anaverage basis weight of about 50 g/m² or more in the absorbent core. 38.The absorbent article of claim 34, wherein the absorbent core has agreater absorbent capacity in the crotch region than in a regionadjacent the crotch region.
 39. The absorbent article of claim 34,wherein the inner bond edge and the outer bond edge are located at thefront waist region.
 40. The absorbent article of claim 39, wherein abond defining the inner bond edge and the outer bond edge extendscontinuously from the inner bond edge to the outer bond edge.
 41. Theabsorbent article of claim 39, wherein a first bond defines the outerbond edge and a second bond defines the inner bond edge, the second bondbeing spaced apart longitudinally from the first bond.
 42. The absorbentarticle of claim 41, wherein the second bond is offset laterally fromthe first bond.
 43. The absorbent article of claim 34, wherein thelongitudinal distance from the inner bond edge to the laterallyextending side at the one of the front and back waist regions is about60 mm or more.
 44. The absorbent article of claim 34, wherein thelongitudinal distance from the inner bond edge to the laterallyextending side at the one of the front and back waist regions is about70 mm or more.
 45. The absorbent article of claim 34, wherein thelongitudinal distance from the inner bond edge to the laterallyextending side at the one of the front and back waist regions is betweenabout 80 mm and 110 mm.
 46. The absorbent article of claim 34, whereineach barrier cuff strip includes a longitudinally extending elasticgathering member attached adjacent to the distal edge such that whenallowed to relax, the elastic gathering member contracts and lifts thedistal edge away from the topsheet.
 47. The absorbent article of claim34 having a flexure resistance of about 750 g or less.
 48. The absorbentarticle of claim 34 having a flexure resistance of about 500 g or less.49. The absorbent article of claim 34 having a flexure resistance ofabout 250 g or less.